Memory and commemorative sites

Commemorative sites of internment and deportation in Seine-Saint-Denis

The Second World War caused 55 million deaths, a total war which affected civilians for the majority. Never before had a conflict left so many material and psychological traces over a wide territory. When the war was finished, and all around the world, places which had been the theater of the most dramatic events of this war had a particular importance for the victims and for their families. Initially because these places were necessary for survivors and their families to come for mourning.

Commemorative sites of the Second World War in Seine-Saint-Denis

Tourism and memory

The visit of memorial sites is a particular experience. Understand the various customs of commemorative sites and the limits of heritage tourism.

The notion of memorial sites

The use of the word memorial site is relatively recent (1984). Before the term “important place of memory" served to indicate a place which had been the theater of a particular event.

Former Bobigny station

Le fort de Romainville of Lilas

This reference work of a Vauban-style military fort built in the 19th century was requisitioned by Germany in 1940. It is in the Fort de Romainville that the “massacre of the eleven” in August 1944 took place. It is also the place of the internment of two major figures of communist resistance: Danielle Casanova and Colonel Fabien. The Fort was also a camp for women.